Opening message, follow gate and link buttons
Design the DM conversation: the first message, the optional follow check and the final message with link buttons.
2 min read · Updated October 2026
The DM is built in up to three parts, and only your final message is required. The phone preview beside the builder shows exactly what the fan will see.
1. Opening message (comments only, recommended)
Instagram only allows one private message in reply to a comment. The opening message uses that one message for a short hello with a button. When the fan taps the button, a full conversation opens and Sygil can send your link, with buttons. It also makes your DM far less likely to land in hidden message requests.
- Text
- Up to 640 characters.
- Button label
- Up to 20 characters. Example: "Send me the link".
Hey {username}! Thanks for commenting. Tap below and I'll send it over.2. Ask to follow first (optional)
Only people who follow you on Instagram get the final message. Everyone else is asked to follow and tap again. It is one of the best ways to turn Reel viewers into followers.
- Text
- Up to 640 characters.
- Button label
- Up to 20 characters. Example: "I'm following".
Almost there! Follow me first, then tap the button below and I'll send it straight over.
3. Your message and link buttons
- Write your message. Use
{username}to greet the person by their Instagram name. - Add up to 3 link buttons. Each has a label (up to 20 characters) and a destination URL that starts with
https://. - Tap Add from your Sygil to pick one of your own items, or Other link for any URL.
- Link clicks go through a tracked link, so you can see them in Insights.
| Message length | Limit |
|---|---|
| With link buttons | 640 characters |
| Without link buttons | 1,000 characters |
Here's the link you asked for. Enjoy! If you like it, my full pack is below ↓
Advanced setting
Send once per person (on by default) means if someone comments again, they do not receive a second DM from the same automation. Keep it on unless you have a good reason.
Public replies
Under comments you can add up to 5 short public reply variations (up to 300 characters each). They are picked at random so the thread does not look automated.
Sent you a DM! Check your DMs 💌 Done, check your inbox Just sent it over!
Do
- Keep the final message short and warm.
- Always use a descriptive button label: "Get the preset pack".
- Test the whole flow from a second account.
- Link straight to the item, not your homepage.
Don't
- Paste a long paragraph. People skim DMs.
- Send people somewhere that does not match the Reel's promise.
- Use misleading button labels.
- Add more than the one or two links the fan actually needs.